What About Omega 3 and Omega 6?

The human body has the capacity to produce most of the fatty acids it needs to function and develop. What we can not produce we get it from our food sources. However there are two essential fatty acids or EFAs that our bodies can not generate because we lack the enzymes needed to form them.

So what are these EFAs? These are Omega 3 and Omega 6. If you don’t have enough of these two EFAs you can suffer from depression, weaker immune system, dry and flaky skin as well as your kidneys and liver having abnormalities.

Let us get to know more about Omega 3 and Omega 6

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids – So what is Omega 3 fatty acid? Let us start with ALA or Alpha-linolenic acid. ALA is what we refer to as the “parent” Omega 3. What does this mean? It just simply means that the ALA is used bt the body to create other long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Mackerel, salmon herring and nut oils such as Argan oil are great sources of Omega 3.
• Its Benefits – So why are omega 3 fatty acids considered essential? What benefits can we get? Omega 3 is beneficial to brain development and function. It also plays a big role in overall growth and development. Another great benefit of Omega 3 its ability to reduce one’s risk of developing heart disease.Studies have shown that Omega 3 has the ability to reduce inflammation. Numerous studies conducted have also pointed out that Omega 3 may be able to help decrease our risk of serious and chronic illnesses like heart disease, cancer as well as arthritis. Did you know where Omega 3 fatty acids are mostly concentrated in? The answer is the brain. In fact, studies point out that omega 3 fatty acids may be crucial in cognitive as well as behavioral performance.
• Omega 3 Deficiency – Studies conducted involving infants show that those who didn’t get enough omega-3 fatty acids from when they were in the womb were at high risk for having problems in their vision and nerves. If you have omega 3 fatty acid deficiency you start getting tired all the time and you may develop heart problems. Having poor memory and dry skin is your body’s way of telling you to feed it Omega 3 fatty acids. Other telltales of Omega 3 fatty acid deficiency are mood swings, poor circulation as well as depression.
• Omega 6 Fatty Acids – What about Omega 6? The parent omega 6 fatty acid is called linoleic acid or simply LA (not Los Angeles) which the body uses to make a long chain type of omega 6 acid called AA (not Alcoholics Anonymous) or arachidonic acid. Leafy greens, nuts, grain, seeds and several vegetable oils are loaded with Omega 6.
• Its Benefits – Just like Omega 3, Omega 6 fatty acids play a very important role in brain and overall growth as well as development. Omega 6 fatty acids are also known to aid in skin as well as hair growth, help maintain healthy bones, regulate metabolism as well as maintain the health of the reproductive system.
• Omega 6 DeficiencyIf you are not getting enough Omega 6 fatty acids, you are putting yourself at a higher risk of developing heart diseases and diabetes.